The legendary singer-songwriter has found it in his heart (and his pocket) to give generously to those who have suffered the loss of loved ones or their homes in the fire disaster

Leonard Cohen might have had a few cash problems in recent years, but the legendary singer-songwriter has still dug deep enough to donate $200,000 (£90,000) to the victims of the Australian bushfires.

Cohen is currently touring the country where bushfires have destroyed entire towns in the state of Victoria, killing an estimated 200 people. Australian tour promoter Michael Gudinski released a statement saying: "Leonard has loved his time in Australia on this tour and is shocked and deeply saddened by the news of the fires." He added that Cohen and his touring party "wish to extend their heartfelt sympathies to those that have suffered the loss of loved ones or their homes through this terrible tragedy".

Authorities are still battling fires that continue to blaze across the south east of Australia, in what the country's prime minister Kevin Rudd described as "a horror few of us anticipated".

The 74-year-old singer returned to the stage last year after a 15-year hiatus to widespread acclaim. However, Cohen has commented that his decision to return to live performing was prompted by his retirement fund having allegedly been pilfered to the tune of $5m (approximately £3.4m) by his former manager Kelley Lynch. Despite the fact he may never reclaim his fortune, Cohen has still found it in his heart (and his pocket) to give generously to the victims of the Australian bushfires.

Cohen plays his last show in the country at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne tonight, where a charity bucket for the bushfire victims will be passed around.

Well said, swampfox. Leonard, you truly ARE a legend (Aussie vernacular for all-round first class bloke). Here in NZ we are sitting looking at evening skies turned an eery orange by the enormous amount of smoke rising into the atmosphere more than 1000 miles to the west. It seems everybody in NZ knows somebody affected by the fires.

Amazing generosity.
The Victorian bushfires have had a profound effect on the nation here. Across the country, people's generosity has been incredible, but it is unexpected for a visitor to be so generous.